The use of smartphones among Africans has been on the rise in recent years. The prevalent narrative is that the devices are used mostly by African youth for social networking on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other social sites. However, sports betting on apps like the Western Cape betting app has also been on the rise. Most African youths have taken to sports betting as a source of income. In this article, we discuss why smartphone betting is on the rise in Africa.

Smartphone Penetration

In recent years, there has been a significant smartphone penetration in Africa. This penetration has enabled more youth to place their bets on their mobile devices. Sports betting is the most popular betting option among African youth.

The smartphone companies have improved their technology, making the devices more robust and economical at the same time. Many people can afford these smartphones hence have the chance to access sportsbooks like Betway.

Strong Mobile Telephone Networks

Another factor influencing the growth of smartphone betting in Africa is the availability of several strong mobile telephony networks. These robust GSM networks have taken the internet to the remotest parts of Africa.

With more people connected to the internet through reasonably priced data bundles, it becomes easy for punters to access the internet. These strong networks, coupled with smartphones' availability, have been the key drivers to the rise in smartphone betting in Africa.

Sports Betting

Africa is a sporty continent. Over the years, it has produced some of the best athletes in the world in different sports. However, football seems to be ahead of them all.

With more African players gracing foreign leagues like the English Premier League, the popularity of these leagues has grown significantly in Africa.

Most youths in Africa follow their brothers in international leagues via digital satellite television. They form local fan clubs and share betting ideas as they cheer their favorite teams. In these clubs they use online sports betting through their smartphones to bet on their favorite teams. The rise in sports betting has had a significant contribution to the rise in smartphone betting in Africa.

Robust Marketing by Sportsbooks

Sportsbooks like Betway run very rigorous marketing campaigns in Africa. The campaigns promise potential punters very hefty jackpot wins that are hard to ignore.

They also parade winners on all media, showing others how they won huge jackpots. This marketing strategy has wooed many youths. Since physical casinos are mostly available in big cities, new punters have to use their smartphones to access the services.

The Youth Bulge in Africa

The majority of the African population comprises the youth. It is estimated that there are more than 420 million youths in Africa today. With the African economy struggling, it cannot accommodate all these youth in terms of employment.

Starting a business is also no easy task; as a result, many youths take to gambling as an income-generating activity. With a limited number of casinos, most have to access these services online. The most convenient channel is the smartphone. All they need is a smartphone, and they are good to go. This has also led to a significant rise in the use of smartphones for betting.